How To Take Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine controls hypothyroidism but does not cure it. It may take several weeks before you notice a change in your symptoms. Continue to take levothyroxine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking levothyroxine without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of levothyroxine and gradually increase your dose. Levothyroxine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Levothyroxine is best absorbed when it is taken: On an empty stomach or With water only or One hour before or two hours after eating or One hour before taking any medications vitamins or supplements or Two hours before taking iron or calcium or Twelve hours before taking Questran® or Colestid® If you take an antacid calcium carbonate (Tums) cholestyramine (Questran) colestipol (Colestid) iron orlistat (alli Xenical) simethicone (Phazyme Gas X) sodium polystrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) or sucralfate (Carafate) take it at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take levothyroxine. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However if it is almost time for the next dose skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. The tablets may get stuck in your throat or cause choking or gagging; therefore the tablet should be taken with a full glass of water. If you are giving levothyroxine to an infant or child who cannot swallow the tablet crush the tablet and mix it in 1 to 2 teaspoons of plain water. Give this mixture by spoon or dropper right away. Do not store this mixture. Only mix the crushed tablets with water. Do not mix with food or soybean infant formula.